One great voice, one big heart...

In our recent trip, we got the opportunity to sing with Ingrid Rosario. Ingrid is a well known christian artist who has an amazing voice and a heart for worship. One thing I couldn't help but notice is how she has kept a humble heart throughout the years. Her willingness to serve and her whatever it takes attitude were a great example to us. She might never know how her actions impacted our lives. It was an honor to share the stage with such a great woman.

And speaking of choices...

In my blog, you have been reading a lot about choices and decisions, since what I write is a reflection of what I'm going through (I told you guys in a previous post that blogging was my therapy, so there you have it). In the past several weeks I have faced very intense, but important choices and, as a result, I've had to make very intense, but important decisions.

At moments like these, our minds wrestle between OUR WILL (what we want, our desires, feelings, emotions) and GOD'S WILL (what He wants, His purpose, the big picture) for our lives. I think we've all experienced this at some point in our christian walk and I know that we're all aware of which the correct choice is between the two. However, knowing this does not make the process any less painful. The fact of the matter is that we all experience disappointment, sadness and at times even depression, when we do not get our way or when things don't work out as we had hoped.

God knows this, so He tells us to seek (aim at and strive after) His kingdom and righteousness first and all these things (our wants, desires, needs) will be given to us. Matthew 6:33

In her amplified version Joyce Meyer comments:

"We are afraid that we will never get the things we want if we deny ourselves, but God WILL give us what we desire, and even better, in due time. Do not be afraid to delay gratification and trust God to give you what you really need."

Enough said...

Decisions, decisions...

Life is full of decision making moments. Everyday, moment after moment we are faced with choices and in response we make decisions. Some are easy, like what to have for breakfast, but others are quite difficult and the result can have a mayor impact in our lives. Who to vote for, who to marry, where to live, all these fall into the second category.

Lucky for us, when our minds find it hard to decide, we can come to our Father. As we read in James 1:5, all we need to do is ask in faith that He gives us the wisdom we need. Once we've made up our minds, His peace confirms and our hearts rest...and what an awesome feeling that is.

What was I thinking?

Check out what I ran into, but be careful...it may hurt.
At 13 and with a bigger hair do than my whole body, I thought I was hot.
Just laugh with me, would you?

When the right choice hurts...

It's easy to be obedient when a sense of joy is present, when the reward is immediate or when the choice brings comfort to ourselves and others. But what about when obedience doesn't quite feel that nice? What happens when the right choice hurts?

In our journey, at times like this is pretty much FAITH what can keep us strong. TRUSTING that our God has the overall picture and that He blesses His children when they choose obedience in spite the pain it may bring. Not forgetting that EVERYTHING works together for good to those who love Him. Keeping in mind that when we seek Him and His kingdom first, THE REST is guaranteed.

The gift of friendship...

During this time of change in my life, I must say I feel very blessed to have so many wonderful people surrounding me. From an "I'm so happy for you!" to an "I'm praying for you", from an encouraging hug to a sincere tear, I've just seen and enjoyed so clearly the gift of friendship. Friends, I'm very fortunate to have each and everyone of you. Through you, God is letting me know that He loves me and that He's there. Thank you

Unbearable?

You know, sometimes God asks things of us, which seem impossible for us to give. Like a teenager screams to a parent, "it's not fair!" comes to mind. "Why do you ask of me something so difficult, so painful? God, it's too much for me to bear, spare me!"

"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Luke 22:42

That's right, nothing He asks of me will ever be greater than the ultimate sacrifice. So, I say as Jesus said " I want YOUR WILL to be done, not mine."

In our walk, pain will come, but we'll never be alone through it. Jesus understands and promises to be by our side every step of the way...and that's good company.